The management of the national park is working to make compatible the conservation of the valuable nature of the park with the necessary economic activity of the locations of its environment and with the demands of public use of residents and visitors. The following activities are authorized, since they are considered to be compatible with the conservation needs of the park, although some of these uses have certain limitations.

Hidraulic Use

El Riachuelo Charca
The use that had traditionally been done of some springs is still being carried out, always in a sustainable manner, in such a way as to maintain an optimum flow for the flora and fauna of the wetlands.

Traditional use of the wild rabbit

 

Hurón In general, hunting is not allowed in national parks, except that its use can be justified as a measure of management. This is precisely the case that happens in the Teide National Park, where the rabbit is an introduced species that harms a unique flora that, in some cases, is threatened. For this reason, in this case the use of rabbit hunting is allowed as a means of its population control. Is also authorized its hunting with ferrets and dogs, since it's considered a traditional form. Each year, the Autonomous Government dictates the Order by establishing the hunting season, as well as the conditions and limitations for its exercise.

Extraction of coloured soil and harvesting of flowers

Alfombra de Tierra The creation of coloured carpets in the Villa of La Orotava during the celebration of the Octave of Corpus Christi is a traditional and deeply rooted activity in the local culture. The park administration and the Town Hall of La Orotava shall cooperate in the selection of places for the extraction, in such a way as to avoid damaging the natural environment.

The production of honey

Extracción de miel There is a route service for groups and collectives. Beekeeping is a traditional activity that is developed in the Cañadas for many years. The honey produced in this territory of the high mountain of Tenerife, particularly the one of Retama (Retama raetam) and the Tajinaste (Echium), is highly valued. The production of honey is the only activity related to the primary sector that is still allowed in the park. This is due to the fact it doesn't cause a negative impact on the natural environment and, moreover, it is positive for the flora, promoting pollination. However, this activity is regulated and the administration of the park selects the places where the hives can be settled and issues the authorizations, once the applications have been submitted and the formalities required by the regulations have been fulfilled by the beekeepers.

The tourist activity

Mirador La Rambleta

The Teide National Park is, by far, the most visited of the Spanish national parks. From the moment of its creation, this park has been closely linked to tourism, which represents the most important sector of the economy of the Canary Islands. Supporting the development of this activity with the conservation of the natural heritage of the park is a constant challenge.

Through its visitors centres, the extensive network of viewpoints and the guiding services, the park reports and disseminates its natural and cultural values to all the visitors. In addition, within its territory there is a Parador and a Cable Car for the ascent up to the peak of Teide. 

Hiking and mountain sports

Senderismo y deportes de montaña Route service for groups and collectives. Trekking is an activity considered to be compatible with the spirit of the park, therefore facilitating its practice by creating a network of trails which, in turn, directs and controls this sporting activity. Also, in order to allow the enjoyment and knowledge being in nature, the board of the national park edits a printed information material about this network of trails. Climbing is allowed in certain areas and has a great popularity among visitors and residents. In winter it is also permitted, in a controlled way, practising some sports related to snow and ice.

The interpretation and dissemination of the heritage

La interpretación y divulgación del patrimonio Route service for groups and collectives. From the national park, it is being developed a programme of interpretation of the park and of information to the public. Among other activities, it includes guided tours and talks, which are aimed at the general population and, in particular, at the school population; all of this with the objective of fostering public support and the preservation of the values of the park.

Cinema, photography, advertising and radio

Cine, fotografía, publicidad y radio

Route service for groups and collectives. In recent years, location recording for film productions, both national and international, has experienced a boom in the island. The national park, thanks to its spectacular landscapes, offers a unique framework, both for this activity and for photography and advertising campaigns.

For any type of activity like this, it is necessary to have a prior authorization of the board of the park and it must be done obeying the limitations that are set to avoid disrupting the natural values of the park.

 

Scientific research

La investigación científica

Ecological stocktaking. This activity can be performed whenever the necessary authorization of the park is provided, which shall establish the conditions under which the research can be carried out. For that, firstly it is necessary to submit a draft describing the purpose and the work to perform. At the end of the research, it should be delivered to the Park a copy of the obtained results. 

Also, each year volunteering campaigns are carried out in the national parks.

Environmental Volunteering

Voluntariado ambiental

Participating in activities aimed at the protection of the environment in the national park is a rewarding and enriching experience. It must be developed in a controlled manner, in order to ensure the preservation of this natural heritage of incalculable value.

The National Parks Autonomous Agency develops a plan for raising awareness and volunteering, whose purpose is to contribute to the environmental awareness through the development of projects and activities in the Network of National Parks.

The National Parks Autonomous Agency convenes the granting of subsidies for volunteering projects within the following lines of action:

  • Monitoring and evaluation of the network.
  • Involvement of social partners and participation of the society.
  • Improvement of the scientific knowledge.
  • Complementary activities for the achievement of the objectives of each National Park and of the Network as a whole, including exceptional situations.

What documentation and requirements should I know?

Link to the website of the Ministry.

 

Who can participate?

Organizations of social initiative, legally constituted, endowed with legal personality, non-profitable and dedicated to conducting activities aimed at the protection of the environment.

What types of volunteering resources are there in the Canary Islands?

The Web Portal of the map of volunteering resources of the Canary Islands collects information about the volunteering entities and vacancies, the legislation, about how to accredit the entity, campaigns and other initiatives.

Link to the page of the Volunteering Programme of the Canary Islands' Government.